We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Zambia entitled, “Foundational Learning Activity.” This position will be based in Zambia and is contingent upon award.

Project description

The anticipated five-year Foundational Learning Activity in Zambia will support the delivery of foundational learning in the early grades to improve learning outcomes. USAID Foundational Learning has three primary objectives 1) Scale the Primary Literacy Program 2) Support the Ministry of Education to institutionalize PLP and early learning reforms/provide technical assistance to direct Government-to Government Education Sector Assistance 3) Enhance the delivery of remedial and catch-up education.

The MEL Director is responsible for establishing and managing the project’s overall MEL system, tracking all progress made towards meeting program/contract results, indicators, and targets, including impacts on access, retention, reading outcomes, community engagement, gender, and disability-inclusive measures, ensuring that they are being consistently and systematically documented, tracked and reported. The MEL Director collaborates with and oversees sub-grantees to provide feedback on data collection and indicators; analyzes data reported from sub-grantees; and supports training of MEL personnel in quality assurance methods. The MEL Director collaborates with the program team to design operations research to support learning, evaluation, and planning, and oversees the implementation, analysis, dissemination, and use of research products. The MEL Director shares MEL data and improvement plans and collaborates with staff and stakeholders on strategies for program improvements for greater program effects.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Designs and oversees the monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities of the project.

• Leads the design, development, planning, and implementation of the MEL plan and project evaluation activities, including the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention-linked research.

• Develops systems for the timely collection, management, analysis, and reporting of valid and reliable data that meet donor reporting requirements.

• Oversees and coordinates data collection activities, including baseline and endline learning assessments.

• Works closely with the technical team leads to co-design monitoring tools, select indicators, and determine field monitoring responsibilities.

• Ensures tool compatibility and coordination within the MEL framework, and consistency with national and donor requirements.

• Leads the development of the project learning agenda, designs, and implements learning activities and research studies.

• Focuses on strengthening the MEL system, building capacity of partners and staff, and improving alignment and support to host-country MEL systems.

• Supports the project’s Collaborating, Learning, Adapting (CLA) framework.

• Undertakes periodic reviews of program and/or country MEL systems and participates in planning MEL system strengthening actions.

• Provides guidance on information systems for quality assurance, as well as best practices documentation and reporting.

• Provides high quality and timely submission of all required project reports, including documentation of success stories, analysis of data for indicator calculation, summary of qualitative findings, etc.

• Oversees the publication and dissemination of information on successful and promising approaches, lessons learned, and other program results to ministry counterparts, donors, program partners, and other key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in evaluation, demography, social science, economics, or other relevant discipline.

• At least 12 years of experience related to monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education or social-sector programs required; experience in early grade reading research or assessment preferred.

• Experience in design and implementation of MEL systems for USG-funded projects

• Experience with learning assessment, experience with early grade reading assessments preferred.

• Experience with Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Frameworks and related data utilization.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated expertise in rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and analytical methods.

• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with program staff and partners.

• Proficiency with Excel required, proficiency with other relevant software (ODK/Kobo, PowerBi, Stata, SAS, SPSS, Epi Info, Atlas) preferred.

• Proven supervisory experience.

• Experience in the education sector in Zambia or the region strongly preferred.

• Fluency in English required.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

Please click here to continue searching FHI 360’s Career Portal.